11
January/February 2019
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THE DAVEY BULLETIN
A GREENER FUTURE FOR ALL
Imagine yourself in a cityscape without a tree in sight for
over 100 acres. Instinctively, Davey employees want to
run out and add greenery! We know that when we fill
neighborhoods with trees, people gather underneath
their branches, breathing fresher, cleaner air.
Bill Stendrup, project developer, Davey Resource Group
(DRG), was fortunate enough to help fulfill that vision.
Of course, it took lots of planning to get one such vision
just right. Mark Dew, project manager, DRG, handled the
logistics to make the planting days a success.
Together, the DRG team planted over 600 trees in Quincy,
Massachusetts, for the commonwealth's Greening the
Gateway Cities Program. The program strives to expand the
urban tree canopy in select neighborhoods by 5 to 10 percent,
which, in turn, will save each household approximately $230
a year on energy bills once the trees mature. This program
targets the parts of Gateway Cities that have lower tree
canopy, older housing stock, higher wind speeds and a larger
renter population. In addition, plantings are concentrated in
neighborhoods to benefit those most in need.
Tree species and locations were determined by the principles
of "Right Tree, Right Place" with the goal of lowering wind
speeds and reducing summertime air temperature, in
addition to the benefits of direct shading. Kentucky
coffeetrees, red maples, junipers, sweetgums and oaks
were the top picks.
"The 611 trees completely changed the landscape," Dew
said. "I can't wait to go back in 10 or 20 years and see what
these trees have become. I'm really looking forward to that."
Stendrup also can't wait to see the shading increase as the
trees mature. He knows that's just the start of the benefits.
"The initiative to plant trees in underserved communities
is imperative," Stendrup said. "Not only does it have those
economic benefits, but it has social and cultural benefits."
Stendrup believes it all starts with people asking questions.
Residents approached DRG employees and asked why
they were planting these trees, what kind of trees they
were and more.
"From there, people are naturally curious to see how the
trees are doing, so they're more likely to be engaged with
the landscape. It brings people together to talk about the
trees. Now, they may put a bench in the area," Stendrup said.
This spring, Stendrup and Dew are sure more residents will
be spending time outside, enjoying the gathering areas the
trees have created.
Above: Here, Eric Comeau, inventory arborist, DRG, proudly
stands next to a tree he planted.
Below: The Davey team planted more than 600 trees in
Quincy, Massachusetts.
VISION
